Home PodcastJulie Alli ‘A revolution is taking place’ – activist says on Eswatini protests

‘A revolution is taking place’ – activist says on Eswatini protests

by Zahid Jadwat

MBABANE – The world may not know it, but the latest wave of unrest in Eswatini is an unfolding revolution, according to a prominent activist in the country.

 

This week, protestors took to the streets to demand the release of two lawmakers – who were arrested earlier this year – and for an end to the reign of King Mswati III.

 

Speaking to Salaamedia, prominent activist Maxwell Dlamini said that transport, schooling and other services have been shut down since the fresh wave of violence erupted in the southern-African country.

 

Although King Mswati III has instructed schools to close, the military has been accused of brutality towards protestors and children alike. 
 
“Before the schools were closed, King Mswati III unleashed the army to go into all schools, even primary schools. The army was brutalizing [and] torturing people; beating them and even shooting them with life rounds,” said Dlamini.

 

Lucky Lukhele, spokesperson for the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), said the nation is reaching a boiling point and has called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take action.

 

“Swaziland is reaching boiling point. The leadership of SADC, if they don’t act now, they may find that the train has already passed the station. So the sooner they move in, the better for Swaziland,” he said.

 

Julie Allie spoke to Maxwell Dlamini, a prominent Eswatini activist, on News & Views. Listen to the full discussion here:

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